7th August 2026
The city’s last sidewinder trawler, the Arctic Corsair will make her final journey to North End Shipyard between Thursday 13 August and Sunday 17 August.
Confirmation of the exact date and approx. timings will be shared at the earliest opportunity, once confirmed by the project team after review of weather and tidal conditions closer to the movement window.
The move will see the vessel carefully navigated along the Humber Estuary and River Hull with the support of accompanying tugs, requiring temporary bridge openings and traffic management measures to ensure the operation is completed safely.
The Arctic Corsair holds a special place in Hull’s maritime heritage and this once-in-a-generation move offers residents a unique opportunity to witness a historic chapter in the vessel’s story.
Bridge closures and openings
To allow the Arctic Corsair and accompanying tugs to pass safely, a number of bridges across Hull will be opened temporarily at various stages of the operation.
The following bridges will be affected on the day itself of the river move:
- Millennium Footbridge
- Myton Bridge
- Drypool Bridge
- Scale Lane Footbridge will remain swung open to river traffic and closed to pedestrians until Monday 17 August
Bridge openings will temporarily halt vehicle, pedestrian and cycle access while vessels pass through. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are advised to plan their journeys in advance and check for updates, as short-term delays are expected while bridges remain in the open position for river traffic.
Road closures
To facilitate the move, a temporary road closure will be implemented:
- Dock Office Row - Monday 10 August, 7am until Monday 17 August, 5pm
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys during the move period.
Footpath closures
On the evening before the operation until the Arctic Corsair is berthed, footpath closures will be in place at the following locations:
- Albert Dock footpath from St Andrews Dock to Wellington St West
- River footpath on the western riverbank between Myton Bridge to existing Boardwalk closure north of Scale Lane Bridge
- River footpath on the eastern riverbank between Drypool Bridge & Myton Bridge
These closures are essential for the safe movement the Arctic Corsair from Albert Dock to North End Shipyard, and to allow for working areas to complete the complex turn at the dock entrance. Alternative viewing areas are suggested below.
River traffic Impacts
The operation is being conducted with the support of Associated British Ports and Hull City Council as the respective river authorities, as well as Albert Dock and Hull Marina harbour masters. For the period that the vessel is moving within the water, leisure and commercial craft will be restricted to be within the vicinity. A Notice to Mariners will be issued once dates have been confirmed.
The Hull Tidal Surge Barrier will also play a key role in supporting the move through being deployed, which will impact access & egress with the River Hull.
Best places to watch
Members of the public are invited to watch the Arctic Corsair’s final move and be part of a memorable moment in the city’s maritime history.
Suggested vantage points include:
West of the River Hull
- Humber Quays
- Hull Marina Bullnose
- Humber Estuary barrier from Minerva pub to the Voyage statue
East of the River Hull
- The Deep
- Tower Street Car Park
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and follow any instructions from event staff. Due to the bridge closures, the ability to cross the river to other vantage points will be restricted at times.
Safety information
For safety reasons, an exclusion zone around the North End Shipyard site will be established once the Arctic Corsair reaches Drypool Bridge.
Members of the public are asked to respect all signage, barriers and instructions from staff to ensure the move can take place safely for everyone involved.
Further updates, including any last‑minute changes to timings, will be shared if needed.